Power Banks on Planes: Capacity, Packing, and Safety Rules
Power banks are treated as spare lithium batteries. Learn the watt-hour limits, why they belong in carry-on baggage, and what to check before flying.
Quick verdict
The short answer
Keep power banks in carry-on baggage, verify a clearly printed watt-hour rating, stay at or below 100Wh when possible, and contact the airline before bringing a 101–160Wh unit.
- Best for
- Travelers carrying phone, tablet, camera, or laptop power banks on US-regulated flights.
- Avoid if
- You need rules for a mobility-device battery or commercial battery shipment, which follow different provisions.
- Main caveat
- Airlines and international authorities may impose stricter limits, so the operating carrier has the final practical check.
Why this guide matters
A power bank that is ordinary at home becomes regulated baggage in the air. Capacity is frequently advertised in milliamp-hours, while aviation rules use watt-hours, and placing the same battery in a checked bag can change it from acceptable to prohibited.
Use watt-hours, not milliamp-hours alone
The FAA limits common spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks by watt-hours. A battery rated from 0 through 100Wh is generally allowed on passenger aircraft for personal use. Batteries from 101 through 160Wh require airline approval, and no more than two of those larger spares may be carried. Units above 160Wh are forbidden for ordinary passenger carriage.
If watt-hours are not printed, calculate them from the rated battery voltage: volts multiplied by amp-hours. Convert milliamp-hours to amp-hours by dividing by 1,000. For example, use the battery’s stated cell voltage rather than assuming the USB output voltage; if the label is unclear, ask the manufacturer instead of estimating.
- 0–100Wh: generally allowed for personal use.
- 101–160Wh: airline approval required, with a limit of two larger spares.
- Above 160Wh: not permitted as an ordinary passenger power bank.
Power banks belong in the cabin
FAA and TSA guidance treats a power bank as a spare lithium battery. It must be carried in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. If a carry-on is gate-checked, remove the power bank and keep it with you in the cabin.
Protect the unit from damage and short circuits. Do not travel with a swollen, damaged, or recalled battery. Keep exposed terminals or detachable cells protected, and avoid packing the bank where metal objects can bridge contacts or where the casing can be crushed.
- Pack the power bank in carry-on baggage only.
- Remove it before a carry-on bag is checked at the gate.
- Stop using and isolate a unit that becomes unusually hot, expands, smokes, or is damaged; alert cabin crew immediately in flight.
Choose travel capacity by the complete label
A very large mAh number can be misleading when two products use different nominal voltages. Compare watt-hours for airline eligibility, then compare rated usable output and conversion losses for practical charging. The energy delivered through USB will be lower than the cell’s headline energy because conversion and device charging are not lossless.
For routine travel, a clearly labeled unit below 100Wh avoids the airline-approval step. Capacity should still match the trip: a smaller bank is easier to carry and recharge, while a larger bank may be justified for a laptop or long periods away from outlets.
- Require a durable, legible Wh label.
- Check the airline’s current policy before departure.
- Bring only personal-use quantities and keep the device accessible for inspection.
What to consider before buying
- Watt-hour rating
- Prefer a clearly marked rating at or below 100Wh for the simplest passenger handling.
- Output protocol
- Match USB Power Delivery and output wattage to the devices you intend to charge.
- Physical protection
- Choose a sound enclosure with protected ports and no signs of swelling, recall, or damage.
- Recharge time
- A high-capacity bank also needs an adequate input rate and charger if it must be ready between travel days.
How we evaluated these products
We checked the current FAA PackSafe passenger battery guidance and TSA carry-on guidance dated for the US market. This article is practical travel information, not legal advice; international routes and individual airlines may apply stricter rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a power bank in checked luggage?
No. FAA and TSA guidance says power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in carry-on baggage. Remove one if your cabin bag is checked at the gate.
How do I convert mAh to Wh?
Divide mAh by 1,000 to obtain Ah, then multiply by the battery’s rated voltage: Wh = V × Ah. Use the voltage on the battery label.
Is a 100Wh power bank allowed?
FAA guidance allows rechargeable batteries from 0 through 100Wh for personal use, subject to safe packing and any stricter airline policy.
What if my power bank has no watt-hour label?
Calculate it only if voltage and capacity are clearly documented. A missing or ambiguous label can cause problems at inspection, so a well-labeled product is the safer travel choice.
Final recommendation
For uncomplicated US air travel, choose a reputable power bank with a clearly printed rating no higher than 100Wh, pack it in your carry-on, protect it from damage, and verify the operating airline’s policy shortly before departure.
Sources
Primary references checked by the editorial team. Product availability and standards may change.
- Airline Passengers and Batteries — Federal Aviation Administration (accessed 2026-08-29)
- What Can I Bring? Portable Chargers and Power Banks — Transportation Security Administration (accessed 2026-08-29)